So it begins, The official Hot Stove League Thread 2024-25 Offseason

[Donn Beach]

I understand the rangers are in a difficult spot broadcast wise. But it also looks to me they feel confident in the team they can field. Going after particular pieces to finish it

[Pharmabro]

He was tied for the fifth-most appearances of all MLB left-handed pitchers in 2024. Garcia’s xERA, according to Statcast, was much lower than his actual ERA at 2.53.

He ranked among Nats relievers in strikeouts per nine (1st, 11.31), strikeouts (2nd, 75) and innings (4th, 59 2/3). His 11.31 strikeouts per nine figure was the second-highest by a qualified left-handed reliever over a single season in Nationals history, trailing only Sean Doolittle’s 2018 (12.00 SO/9).

That's the thing with trades, they are very subjective. Rangers going after what they must have considered a particular need.

Passan

. If that's it for Lowe then it's a very odd trade as a whole. Extremely light in what the Nats are giving up and if it's a 1:1 swap then I'm super confused.

But I will say it's objectively a good get for a Rangers pen that still needs help desperately. Garcia was extremely unlucky last year, and all the under-the-hood stuff points towards a great 2025. 30% K%, 2.77 xFIP, 2.71 SIERA, and all three pitches are really good. A 37% CSW% on his 4-Seam and 37.4% Whiff% on his Changeup should tell a chunk of the story. He should slot into the back end of that pen nicely in the 7th or 8th, maybe even close some depending on what else Texas does. It's not worth Nathaniel Lowe but it will fill a need well

They have Yates as a good closer but have a decision on the only guy I would consider a set-up level guy in David Robertson (age 39) 7M for 2025 or 1.5 M buy out.

We'll see.

But I'd look some improvements coming this way.

[Donn Beach]

Interesting...I could see them now getting rid of Roberson, the savings being part of their thinking to trade for Garcia, or they double down and keep him.

More fun following other teams off seasons

[Pharmabro]

One last appeal to sanity:

Trade Haniger 17.5 Million owed (prospects Ben Williamson 7m & Logan Evans 11M) to the Chicago WS For #28 WS Prospect Wilfred Veras 0.9M

Trade Garver -8.4M & 2B Bliss 12.3M to the W.S for LHP Ky Bush 3M

29.5M freed up

Trade OF Farmello 21.7M for BJs Vald Jr 16.7M

Trade 2b/SS Arroyo 13.5M for 2B B. Lowe 13.4M TB

Sign LHBP AJ Minter for 2 for 14M

DH Raley
3B Shenton with possible Moore platoon